September 1st 2006, Notts County manager Steve Thompson has guided his side to an unbeaten start to the season, including claiming the scalp of Championship outfit Crystal Palace in the League Cup. Supporters' optimism is high once again, but - a year on - a more relaxed, sensible mindset is now in place.
Under Thompson, the start to the current season has been efficient. With one of the meanest defensive record in the league, and a side brimming with confidence, opponents have found beating this all-new Notts side a difficult proposition.
The likes of ambitious outfits Shrewsbury Town and Peterborough United have attempted to bully Notts, but found a resilient path in their way.
On the other hand, Lincoln City and Wycombe Wanderers provided a better footballing opposition, but again Notts showed their own game, proving that whatever is thrown in their path, the players are more than capable of throwing it right back.
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“It's (League Two) much tougher than last year,” said Thompson, speaking exclusively to NCM.
“Some teams have spent more money and I think the standards are much higher than last season."
With the last campaign in mind, and the perilous way Notts came to within five minutes of Conference football, despite Thordarson's tremendous start, the optimism is understandably muted.
However, with an experienced head like Thompson at the helm, there isn't a chance of getting carried away. On the subject of aspirations, the straight-talking former Lincoln boss is predictably level-headed.
“I never said the target was promotion," said the Notts boss.
"I said I'd try to make them finish higher than what they did last year. For me this season is about bringing stability back to this club, bringing supporters back to the club, and bringing smiles onto the supporter's faces.”
Financially, Notts are now content. After the anxiety of administration three years ago, solid platforms have been made, now the building work must begin.
But, contrary to reports stemming from the boardroom, Thompson insists his playing budget is still somewhat limited in comparison to some of his rivals.
“Although our wage bill is competitive it's certainly not one of the highest, certainly not in the top six," he says.
Indeed, while crippling finances are certainly a dominant feature in the lower League's of football in the United Kingdom, Thompson insists that many of the problems could be avoided.
“The Chairman and the directors and everyone connected with the club has to say 'look this is what we've got, this is the money we can spend and this is the road we can go down. We don't give you false promises, so when you come and support the team, what you see is what you get.'”
On the subject of finances, Notts' decision to scrap the youth academy is one that still wrangles with certain supporters. Not at the club when the decision was made, the issue is something the Sheffield-born man is eager to pass on.
“It's a bone of contention within the club. I can't do anything about it, I just hope that in the time that comes we get the funds into the club and start a fresh.”
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The venture has raised some much needed revenue, but Thompson isn't too keen.
“I'm a firm believer that the football pitch is for football and everyone else should look after their own affairs," he says.
"But if something comes along that's financially viable, and helps to get players in or makes the club more financially viable, then fine.”
A former central defender, Thompson admitted that he would take Chelsea's captain John Terry to Meadow Lane ahead of any other player in world football.
But even Terry would have struggled to copy physically against Keith Alexander's Peterborough in the club's recent 0-0 draw. Through-out the game, Thompson apeeared to be at loggerheads with his opposite number.
“Peterborough were obscenely physical. I think they finished the game with only the goalkeeper under six foot. They wanted to bash us up, but when they didn't get it their own way, they got a bit upset about it.”
Of the concerning factors on the pitch, it's fair to say Notts need to score more goals - despite netting twice in their most recent game, at MK Dons.
“We've got to spread the goals out," stated Thompson. "Lincoln got into the Playoffs (last season) with a top scorer of seven goals. We need a striker to get 15, one to get 14, and when the subs come on they need to chip in with eight or nine.”
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“He had an excellent pre-season and we are desperate for him to do what he can do. I've no doubts Andy will come good, he's too good a player.”
There is no doubt that the squad has to be utilised this season, with fringe players such as Tom Curtis, Stephen Hunt and, particularly, Dan Martin impressing in the 2-1 success at Palace. However a second round tie at Middlesbrough is scant reward. Not that the same players are destined for the shirt again come that night. Thompson is keeping his cards close to his chest.
“The players did well but there are four five league games before then," he says.
The players themselves targeted 11 points from six league fixtures from the start. With nine on board, they may not quite have met their target - but, after being met with such contempt upon his arrival, the fact that Thompson has already won round a large proportion of the Notts support will surely be consolation enough for now.
For further interviews with the club's new manager, stay tuned to NCM.